How do I store Nutella heart donuts?

To keep your u003cstrongu003eNutella-filled donutsu003c/strongu003e fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer them fresh, you can also freeze them and reheat them in the oven or microwave.

What other fillings can I use for these heart-shaped donuts?

While Nutella is a favorite filling, you can also use u003cstrongu003eBiscoff spreadu003c/strongu003e, u003cstrongu003ejamu003c/strongu003e, or even u003cstrongu003ewhite chocolateu003c/strongu003e for a different flavor. Get creative and experiment with your favorite spreads and fillings to create unique u003cstrongu003eValentine's Day dessertsu003c/strongu003e.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time for a romantic dinner?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight. When you're ready to fry or bake, let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping. This will save you time and make your u003cstrongu003eValentine’s Day recipeu003c/strongu003e easier to manage.

What is the best oil for frying Nutella heart donuts?

For frying, we recommend using sunflower oil as they have a high smoke point and won't impart any strong flavors.

Nutella heart donuts: The perfect recipe for valentines day

Description

These soft, fluffy Nutella heart donuts are bursting with creamy chocolate hazelnut filling—so easy to make, delicious, and perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Ingredients

Scale

dough

50 grams warm water
1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
270 grams all-purpose flour
50 grams granulated sugar
50 grams milk
1 egg
40 grams softened butter

frying

2 to 3 liters sunflower seed oil (depends on the size of your pan)

filling

Nutella

coating

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

step one, Activate the yeast

Start by dissolving active dry yeast in warm water with sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.

step two, Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, milk, and egg. Add the activated yeast mixture and softened butter, then mix everything together. Knead for about 15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment on medium speed.

step three, Proof the dough

Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about an hour and thirty minutes (1h 30 min), or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for light, fluffy Nutella-filled donuts. If you have a dough proofing machine set it at 30°C or 86°F

step four, Roll and shape the dough

Once the dough has proofed, punch it down gently. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness. You want it thick enough so that your donuts hold their shape but not so thick that they won’t fry properly. Use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into heart shapes. You can also experiment with different shapes or sizes if you prefer!

step five, Second proofing

After cutting the dough into shapes, cover the donuts with a clean towel and let them proof for an additional 30 minutes in a warm place. This allows the donuts to puff up and ensures they’ll be soft and fluffy after frying.

step six, Fry the donuts

Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to have the oil at the right temperature—too hot, and the donuts will burn on the outside but stay raw inside; too cold, and they’ll absorb too much oil. Fry the donuts in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. It will take about 4 minutes on each side. Use a scooper to remove them from the oil once they’re golden brown and crispy.

step seven, Coat and fill

Place the fried donuts on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. While they’re still warm, coat them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon to give them that perfect sweet touch. Allow them to cool slightly, then make a small slit in each donut and fill them generously with Nutella using a piping bag.

step eight, Serve and enjoy!

Your Nutella heart donuts are now ready to enjoy! These are perfect for a Valentine’s Day breakfast or dessert. Serve them warm, and get ready to share the love with your special someone (or enjoy them on your own)!

Notes

Avoid adding too much flour – Adding extra flour will make the dough tough, resulting in dense donuts.

Get the oil temperature just right – The oil should be hot, but not smoking. If the oil is too cold, the donuts will absorb excess oil; if it’s too hot, the outside will burn while the inside stays raw. A medium heat works best for perfect frying.

Use paper towels to absorb excess oil – After frying, place your donuts on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any leftover oil. This helps keep your Nutella heart donuts light and not greasy.

Coat immediately while hot and moist – The sugar-cinnamon coating sticks best when the donuts are still warm and moist. If you wait too long, the coating won’t adhere properly.

Don’t overcrowd the pan – Only fry a few donuts at a time. If you have a large pan, 3 or 4 donuts can fry at once, but in a smaller pan, it’s best to fry just one at a time to prevent overcrowding and uneven cooking.

Use a deep frying pan or deep fryer – For the donuts to cook evenly, make sure your pan has enough oil and is deep enough for them to float while frying. This ensures your Valentine’s Day donuts fry perfectly on all sides.